Furious residents living around Bahrain International Airport have raised concerns about GCC travellers and rental car agencies parking their vehicles near their homes to avoid paying for tickets in official bays.
They say the parking issues have created multiple inconveniences, none more so than having nowhere to park their own cars close-by, which they have conveyed to Parliament and the Muharraq Municipal Council.
“With limited spaces, residents are often forced to park far away, leading to frustration and logistical challenges, especially for young families and the elderly,” said Parliament’s services committee vice-chairman and area MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi.
“Furthermore, this influx of vehicles has added to noise complaints and littering, as travellers frequently throw out rubbish from their cars into the streets,” he added.
“Some residents have reported that cars left by travellers block entrances, sidewalks and driveways, adding to safety and accessibility concerns.”
Mr Al Olaiwi said rental car agencies appear to be capitalising on this issue by parking their fleet vehicles in residential streets rather than paying for designated spaces at the airport or private lots.
“The presence of these rental cars has been particularly frustrating for residents, as these companies are seen as bypassing costs at the expense of local communities,” he added.
“The continuous movement of rental cars being dropped off and picked up at all hours adds further disruption to the daily lives of residents.”
Muharraq Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman and area councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed said the issue has been raised with the authorities to explore ways of better managing the parking overflow in residential areas around the airport.
“Authorities should consider expanding affordable long-term parking facilities around the airport to reduce the need for travellers to park in nearby neighbourhoods,” he said.
“These additional spaces would offer travellers a safe, reasonably-priced alternative for long-term parking.
“To discourage non-residents from parking in residential zones, local officials are looking into implementing fines for unauthorised parking.
“Rental car agencies found violating parking regulations could face even stricter penalties, potentially including impoundment and daily fines.”
Mr Al Sayed said there should be increased collaboration between local municipalities, the airport management and rental car companies to raise awareness about the impact of these issues on residents.
“A community awareness campaign could encourage travellers to consider the inconvenience they cause to local neighbourhoods and promote the use of official airport parking,” he added.
Residents fear that unless strict enforcement is applied, travellers and rental car companies will continue to exploit residential areas.
“Community members have also suggested that parking fees at the airport should be reviewed to make them more affordable, arguing that the current charges are one of the primary reasons travellers seek alternative parking options in nearby areas,” said Mr Al Sayed.
“Reducing these fees could incentivise travellers to use designated airport parking, easing the strain on local neighbourhood areas,” he said.
“The complaints over airport-related parking in residential neighbourhoods around Bahrain International Airport highlight the challenges faced by local communities dealing with urban infrastructure issues.
“Addressing these concerns will require a balanced approach that considers the needs of residents, travellers and rental car agencies.”
The councillor is confident with well-co-ordinated measures, including expanded parking facilities, residential permit systems and penalties for violators, the problems could be amicably resolved.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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